Manila: Several House leaders and lawmakers at the House of Representatives have criticized the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, accusing it of using the flood control investigation to target lawmakers who support the immediate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte rather than focusing on genuine accountability or legislation.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing was conducted by senators allied with the former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, despite his ouster and the committee's reconstitution under Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian. Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union accused the investigation of being an attempt to discredit the House and undermine those prosecuting the impeachment case against Duterte. He noted a pattern of linking pro-impeachment lawmakers to corruption without presenting evidence.

Ortega emphasized that the House and its prosecutors remain undeterred by what he called a campaign to influence the impeachment trial's outcome. House prosecutor Terry Ridon and spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong also refuted accusations against them, characterizing the Senate proceedings as politically motivated distractions.

Members of the Makabayan bloc condemned the hearings as political demolition jobs with unsubstantiated allegations against progressive leaders. They expressed concern over the hearings' legitimacy amid the Senate's leadership dispute and denied any involvement in the flood control scandal. The bloc asserted its commitment to truth and accountability, standing against corruption and power abuse.